The United States Postal Service has released a special edition postage stamp that pays homage to a global tradition with deep roots from an evolution over the centuries to become a universal symbol of celebration. The four-stamp collection features colorful piñatas, and its release coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S. and the start of an annual festival in New Mexico, where people celebrate by opening piñatas every hour and children learn to make their own piñata creations, according to the Associated Press.

The piñatas are widely recognized as festive elements, but their history is complex and can be traced back to the trade routes between Latin America and Asia in the sixteenth century and the efforts of Spanish missionaries to convert indigenous communities to Christianity. The piñatas played a key role in the Las Posadas festivities, held in December in Mexico and other Latin American countries to celebrate the birth of Christ. These religious origins are evident in the classic drawings of piñatas, such as the seven-pointed star and the donkey.

Piñatas are still a vibrant part of the Mexican and Latino communities in the U.S., in cities like Chicago, San Antonio and Los Angeles, demonstrating that culture transcends borders. In Los Angeles, for example, piñatas imported from Mexico are sold on parts of Olympic Boulevard, while in Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico, people turn their homes into makeshift piñata factories, creating custom shapes for parties and special events.

The Casa de Piñatas in Albuquerque is an example of this commitment to tradition. Shopkeeper Francisco Rodríguez has spent more than half his life creating artisanal piñatas, ranging from superheroes to animals, using old newspaper and flour and water paste. His store attracts customers from all over the U.S., demonstrating the enduring appeal of these festive pieces of art.

However, Rodríguez and other artisans of older piñatas are concerned about the future of the industry. With increasing digitization, traditional materials such as newspapers are becoming harder to obtain, raising questions about how the piñatas tradition will evolve in the coming years.

The postage stamps were inspired by the childhood memories of graphic designer Victor Meléndez, who grew up in Mexico City and remembers making piñatas with his family to celebrate Las Posadas. Meléndez hopes these stamps will spark conversations about different cultures and encourage people to seek mutual understanding, promoting more harmonious relationships and happiness.

It is the third U.S. postage stamp collection dedicated to Hispanic culture, following previous editions that highlighted mariachi music and the Day of the Dead. Victor Meléndez, known for his work on murals and design for Starbucks, hopes this collection will help build cultural bridges and promote mutual respect between communities.